…or Notes to the Father

I am an English teacher, writer, poet, and photographer living in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. I enjoy blogging and research on history, culture, and literature in the African Diaspora. I also enjoy spending time with my family, church fellowship, and relaxing with a good book. I envision Baba Notes as a way to serve and fulfill the will of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who by His Grace offers all of us everlasting life. Thanks for taking the time to read this, and I hope you visit any one of my blogs again for your reading pleasure. Peace~

This weekend has been a challenging one. On Friday, we buried our mother. The scene was similar to how I imagined it would be: we were sitting on the front row and people came by to hug and give their condolences as we fought back tears enough to say, “thank you.” It was one of the most difficult times in my life, but I mostly felt at peace. It felt like only the peace You can give. It was tranquil and more powerful than the sadness of losing my mom. So Lord, I thank You. I thank You for your mercy and grace; I thank You for your peace that surpasses understanding; and I thank You for Your love that calms me and wipes away all of my tears.

Father, I pray that You will give my siblings and extended family that same peace. I pray that You will shroud them with your love and wisdom. I pray that You will reveal yourself to all of us even more as we continue on this journey. May we make the best of every day and continue to always look to You as our Father–our Baba in Heaven. Thank You father. I love you. Amen.

I’m so thankful that God does not see us for our mistakes, but He sees us in our redempted state (brother and sisters in Christ) and expected end. He said, “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” ~ Jeremiah 29:11

So, if you have strayed a bit from the Gospel, it’s time to turn around and face the father. He has been asking about you. He told me to tell you that He loves you and that He has never stopped loving you. In fact, He loves even more now.

In this world in which we live, we have to start all over again when we leave a place and have the grace to return, but this is not the case with our Father. In His word, God says, “…Return to me, and I will return to you, says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies.”~ Zecharian 1:3. It’s that easy.

Stay blessed and don’t beat yourself up with the guilt of sin. Ask for forgiveness and return Him. Lean on Him who is your convering, comforter, and friend in time of need. He loves you. ~Peace

Good morning. I was thinking to myself how the Holy Spirit can use us best when we are at our weakest. Yes, there are times that I fall short of the glory, and I’m certain that I am not in the minority; we all fall short from time to time. Sometimes, we fall and even take our time getting back up. However, in spite of our foolishness and weakness of the flesh, God still finds a way to use us in our daily lives. We only have to be willing and open. We also have to not only ask for forgiveness from God, but forgive ourselves and realize that we are not perfect; however, we are perfected in Him through Christ Jesus. “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until athe day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6). Keep pressing my friends (Philippians 3:14).

Before you begin, ask God for a fresh out-pouring of the Holy Spirit on your life. Lord Jesus Christ, it is in Your mighty Name that I pray…

Father, Your Word says that a patient man is better than a warrior, and one who controls his temper than one who takes a city. You have admonished me in Your Word to control my body – my appetites and behavior, in a way that is holy and honorable to You. But I confess Father that I fall short of this in many areas of my life and I ask that You strengthen me by Your Spirit, so that I might not let sin reign in my body or give in to evil desires

(Pause and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal those areas of your life that are not yet submitted to Him)

May the fruit of self-control continually increase in my life, that this godly characteristic may be evident in the way that I eat, how I shop, the hobbies I engage in, my sexuality, my words and actions… may every aspect of who I am and how I live be under the control of the Holy Spirit. I submit to You now in Jesus’ Name Father. Empower me to keep a tight rein on my tongue. May I be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, knowing that anger does not bring about the righteous life that You desire. May I bless with my mouth and my life. May my life be so controlled by Your Holy Spirit, that I truly live and move and have my very being in You alone. Help me this day to not indulge my fleshly nature. Strengthen me to stand firm and be self-controlled in thought, word and action – that I might be a useable, noble vessel for Your purposes and the glory of Your great Name.

Accomplish this through Christ in me, for I pray in His name. Amen.

Note: WE ALL HAVE THIS FLESHLY NATURE AND MUST BE IN CONTROL OF IT, THIS IS A PRAYER FOR THAT CONTROL.

Psalm 40:1 “I waitedpatiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry.”

This morning, as I sat in the coffee shop enjoying my favorite tea, I noticed a man approach with a little dog. Before he entered the shop, He tied the dog’s leash to a chair and the dog started the process of waiting. Although, I would not liken any of us to our furry, faithful friend, I truly admired the way the dog waited. Every time the door to the shop opened, the dog wagged his tail in anticipation. Meanwhile, the master was sitting close by and watching – watching as the dog anticipated his return. During the wait, admirers came by patting the dog on the head and comforting him.

I pray that the body of Christ will reach that point in our walk with Christ. As we patiently wait for His return, we must know that He is never far away. He is close by watching us and protecting us. He also sends people and situations along the way to comfort us in this journey. If only we wait patiently on Him, while we anticipate His inevitable return. If only we can know that He will never leave us or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:8), and that He is always with us and in us.

Today, let us wait patiently on Him. Although things seem a little scary at times, and we become fearful just know that He is always with us. Also, know that He will return. Have a blessed and wonderful day. Peace~

There have been so many changes in my life over the past year. I’ve had many emotional ups and downs that no one could know but those close to me and God. Today, things are good and the heavy clouds have been lifted. Now that the clouds have dissipated, I find that there are other things that I have to work out of my life. You see, I desire to live a clean spiritually healthy life. Yes, I know that conditions will not always be favorable, but my desire is to please Him [Jesus] and to show Him that I love Him. In John 14:15 Jesus says that “if you love me, keep my commandments.” Simple? No, it hasn’t been simple for me. I found myself slipping into old habits and not reading the Word as I should. I wasn’t praying as I should. This caused me to become spiritually weak and opened to the wiles of the enemy.

So, I had to get back to God. I had to turn my back on my own selfish, spiritually destructive ways and turn to God. In other words, I had to deny self. I’m sharing this not because I have arrived, but because I am still striving as I type this message. We have to continue to seek the Lord in these last days. We have to turn our back on the “old man” and receive the “new man” that God has transformed us into. (Ephesians 4:22-24). Keep on pushing and keep on praying. There is a breakthrough headed your way. God loves you and he knows that this earthly flesh is weak. However, in the final analysis we must work out our “own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12).

We must “press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14). That’s my goal. Let us move onward and upward in Christ Jesus. Amen.

“And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake, but he who perseveres and endures to the end will be saved [from spiritual disease and death in the world to come].” Matthew 10:22 AMP

Stay strong and be of good courage today. Stand strong according to Spirit and the Power that is working inside [Holy Spirit] of you. I pray that God will confuse every plan of the enemy today. Again, stand firm and be strong. These are the days when you will become hated and despised because you refuse to sway from God’s plan for your life. You refuse to be part of this big ball of confusion called the planet earth. Furthermore, you refuse to bend to the twisted thinking and practices of this world. God bless and fortify you with His good and perfect will. May He give you his strength and endurance — In Jesus’ Mighty Name. Amen.

“And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.”Heb 10:25

Because of travel and family matters, I have not been able to attend church service for the past two weeks; I can feel it. I thank God for growth because there was time when that wouldn’t have mattered. Now, I see it as an opportunity to share in His love and to receive a corporate word. It is where I fill up and take with me to distribute to the people. I thank God that I am going this morning. I look forward to what is in store. Have a blessed and wonderful day. Peace~

Photo: Belmont Baptist Church: Old family church in Eastern North Carolina. This old building is no longer being used. They have a new church building.

Today, I pray that the Lord our God will guide and lead you in His way. I pray that He will protect you and keep you from harm. I pray that someone will show you an act of kindness/mercy. I pray you will return that kindness to some other unexpected soul. Today, I pray in His Love and Name (Jesus). Amen. Enjoy your day!

In this world we live in today, it is often repeated to “not let your hopes get too high.” They say, “get your head out of the clouds…stop dreaming.” This is in order to avoid great disappointment. Therefore, many people fail before they even attempt their goals. Where is the faith? Today, please get your hopes up TOO HIGH. In fact, let your hopes soar beyond the skies. Jesus said in Mark 11:23-24: “Truly[ I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. 24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”

Believe, I say Believe! Ask anything in Jesus’ name it will happen.

However, this is no magic trick or hokus pokus. You must have a relationship with Him. You must be born-again. This is not say that good things won’t happen to people who don’t believe, but there is a vast difference between luck and faith. I’d rather have assurance through faith than luck by chance. Please click on my “Salvation” tab at the top of this page to find out more. God bless you and have a day filled with hope and love. Peace~

“…And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” ~Joshua 24:15

2012 is the year of decision. This year, we must decide who we will serve. Yes, we must choose sides. For too long, we have done like the poet in Frost’s poem and decided not to take either road. We have skipped down that road of indecision and self-gratification for far too long. NOW, it is time to serve the true and living God you profess. If we call ourselves “Christians” or “Born-Again” then we should live as someone who knows who he or she is in Christ.

Christ said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). In order to keep His commandments – I’m not talking about just the 10 Commandments – we must read His word. Furthermore, we must believe all of His Word and not just some of His Word. His Word is TRUTH and there is so much He has to show to us through that living Word and His Holy Spirit.

Let us get rid of the saying, “I’m only human,” and remember that we are sons of the living God (Galatians 3:26) and there is nothing in that which is only human (1 Peter 1:23). Peace ~

“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5

Father, today I pray for wisdom which you give freely through your Grace and unfailing love for us. I pray for wisdom in handling my finances; I pray for wisdom in teaching; I pray for wisdom in my marriage; most of all, I pray for wisdom in my walk with you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Forgive me father. After I leave the college for the afternoon, I sometime stop at the local café to get a cup of coffee. Whenever I go, I see a young man, who seems fit and he seems to have his mind. In other words, there seems to be no sign of mental illness. Nevertheless, he hangs around the coffee shop and he asks for money. I have given him money on occasion, and I have also witnessed to him about the goodness of Christ. He began to speak of the religion he believes and questioned my belief in Christ as Lord and Savior. I patiently explained to him my reason for the hope that is in me. He shied away for a while but soon began to ask again for money. After a while, his daily encounters and request for money became somewhat of a burden. I began to feel as if I were paying a toll every time I saw him.

This situation soon caused me to become resentful of this man; now, I will not give him any money. I simply reply with “no.” This doesn’t seem to bother him because there are others who will give. However, this situation has caused me to look at self. I like to think of myself as someone who is led by the Spirit, so I refuse to feel guilty. However, I pray that God will continue to give me wisdom and continue to guide me in my thoughts and words. I pray that I will approach others and treat them with the love of Christ — The love that God has poured inside of me.

Also, I pray for that brother – I pray that he also receives wisdom. I pray that God will help him out of the limitations that seem to hold him captive and in poverty. Finally, I pray that God will forgive me for judging him in my heart. Again, Father, please forgive me. I have no right to decide who should or shouldn’t ask for money. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Note: I welcome any comments about your experiences with giving and how God taught you something through those experiences. Enjoy your weekend. Peace~

If we’re fortunate, many of us use the word “Love” on a daily basis. For instance, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve told my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, that I love Him. I tell my wife that I love her every day before we go to work. However, let us not forget that we must not only love in WORD but also in DEED. Love is also an action verb: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son…” (John 3:16). This was a loving act of God that took action. He GAVE in order to show the Love that He has for humanity.

I’ve recently learned of a friend who needs a lung transplant. When I learned of this, my heart went out to her and I began to pray. There were others on a social network who published a link for donations on the operation. Today, I went to the website to give a donation. God placed it on my heart to give because He reminded me that when we give to others, especially those less fortunate, we give to Him (Mat 25:35-38). Now, in this case, the misfortune is more related to health than money, but operations are expensive in this current system in which we all live in the United States. We could all find ourselves in similar situations if not for the grace of the Almighty God.

Please take the time to visit the website below, and give if you are able to give. Otherwise, visit so that you can see her face and pray for her. There is power in prayer. May God bless you richly and “…supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4:19) Amen. It’s time for Love. Peace~

I saw this sign in Gaithersburg, Maryland along Air Park Rd. They always display a wonderful message, and this one touched me to the core because it displayed the name that is above every name — Jesus. Happy Holidays and always remember the reason for the season — Jesus Christ. Peace~

The beautifully artistic sky over my neighborhood this morning reminded me of how limitless the possibilities are in Christ Jesus. It reminds me that through Him, I can do all things and that nothing is impossible if only I believe. So, as I move forward into the day, I believe and trust in the God “…who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did;” (Rom 4:17). We all must do the same — believe and speak of those things we can’t see, but we believe it’s coming! Hallelujah! Enjoy the day and God bless the work of your hands. In Him and through Him, we can do all things (Phil 4:13).

“For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.” ~James 1:23-24

I am finding more and more that I have to constantly remind myself of who I am in Christ. God has shown his grace and mercy to me too many times to count. Grace or underserved kindness is all part of salvation (Ephesian 2:8). However, I nor any of us who call ourselves “Christians” or one who walks with God should take this divine grace for granted (Romans 6:15). God forbid.

Instead, we should keep pressing towards the high calling we have in Christ Jesus. We should remember that we have a cloud of witnesses who are watching us constantly (Hebrews 12:1). If we keep these things in mind, and continue to pray and seek God (The Savior), then we will indeed have success (Joshua 1:8). Meanwhile, continued Grace unto you and peace be multiplied~

Thought: It is essential to give people a chance of acting on the truth of God. The responsibility must be left with the individual, you cannot act for him, it must be his own deliberate act, but the evangelical message ought always to lead a man to act. The paralysis of refusing to act leaves a man exactly where he was before; when once he acts, he is never the same. It is the foolishness of it that stands in the way of hundreds who have been convicted by the Spirit of God. Immediately I precipitate myself over into an act, that second I live; all the rest is existence. The moments when I truly live are the moments when I act with my whole will. Never allow a truth of God that is brought home to your soul to pass without acting on it, not necessarily physically, but in will. Record it, with ink or with blood. The feeblest saint who transacts business with Jesus Christ is emancipated the second he acts; all the almighty power of God is on his behalf. We come up to the truth of God, we confess we are wrong, but go back again; then we come up to it again, and go back; until we learn that we have no business to go back. We have to go clean over on some word of our redeeming Lord and transact business with Him. His word “come” means “transact.” “Come unto Me.” The last thing we do is to come; but everyone who does come knows that that second the supernatural rush of the life of God invades him instantly. The dominating power of the world, the flesh and the devil is paralysed, not by your act, but because your act has linked you on to God and His redemptive power.

Father, in these last days, I pray that my character surpasses any favorable reputation with men. I pray that my greatest moments and achievements are when few or only you can see. If you choose to show me favor before men, I pray that you get all the honor and the glory. May I decrease, so that you may increase. In Jesus’ might Name. Amen.

In 2 Samuel 23:33 it states that “God is my strength and power, And He makes my way perfect.” This is one of those perfect gems that you can read in God’s word, The Bible. If we take these beautiful gems and learn them, memorize them, and repeat them back to the one who spoke them [God] then our way will CERTAINLY be made perfect. The world tells us to search for the power within because as human beings we have a will. When we are willing and determined to do something, we feel it can be accomplish through the power of the will. However, isn’t it so much better when you have a willing God who wants to be part of your every decision? He can take you beyond what you can do or even imagine. The Bible says in Philipians 4:13 that you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. In other words, He can take us to places we have never imagined (Ephesians 3:20). Peace~

It is important to remember that all good things come from God including wealth (Ecclesiastes 5:19). Once God opens our hearts and minds, and we come to the realization that all good things come from Him, we change how we react to this “power” within us. It is in and through him that we are able to do all things. Again, as it says in Ephesians 3:20 “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.” It is according to His power that is working in us. As Jesus stated in the book of John, “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). The End. Peace~

It’s Friday and all I’m hearing on the news is concerns the path Hurricane Irene. There is a sense of trepidation as the storm moves closer to the Eastern seaboard of the United States. Well, we should definitely exercise caution and take precautions as the storm approaches; however, we must also pray. We serve a God who is mightier than any storm. I’m reminded of the story of the Disciples as they were in the boat with Jesus (Matthew 8:23-27). The storm came and it tossed the boat in such a way that the Disciples grew afraid worrying that they might die. Can you imagine being in the boat with Jesus and being afraid? Well, don’t be surprised if many of us would react the same way. Besides, today Jesus is with [us] those who believe and we are often afraid (1 Corinthians 6:19). Jesus was asleep when they woke him frantically asking him to save them. Jesus rebuked the winds at that moment and everything was calm. He admonished them for having “little faith.” Be encouraged. No matter the storms in your life, Immanuel [God is with us] — Jesus Christ, is always with us. He can calm the winds and chase away the storms in your life if you ask him (James 4:2-3). Seek him today and have faith – believe and it will be done (Matthew 8:13). Be safe for this coming weekend if you’re on the East Coast of the United States. Again, I urge all of us to pray. If you don’t live on the East Coast, please stand with us in prayer. Peace ~

The moment we start making one group out to be “the bad people,” we get into a mentality that is closely related to that of a racist mentality, which is hateful. For example, we make comments such as “these people” influence our children, or don’t let “these people” get near us to influence our daughters and sons. We believe that they — all of them — are morally bankrupt. There are times when we find one who we consider to be “good,” and we even think to ourselves how special “this one” is compared to the rest of “those people.”

In the end, if we want someone to blame for all of this mess in the world we need only to read Ephesians 6:12, which explains that we “wrestle not with flesh and blood…” So, please don’t judge those who don’t fall under the same lifestyle or group that you favor. God is our only judge. We should never judge by outward appearances (1Samuel 16:7). Instead, learn to live peaceably with one another, and search for those things that are good in an individual. (Romans 12:18).The Holy Spirit will take care of the rest. Peace~

Additional note: This post may pertain to any group, ethnicity, nationality, etc. No matter how you look at it, we are all just people – good or bad. Again – Peace~

To you I lift up my soul. As one of your servants once told me, we [Believers] cannot walk [journey in Christ] alone. We must encourage one another, but we should also reach out to one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11). Father, I have, without thinking, attempted to do this walk alone many times, and I have failed. I pray that I will cast all of my cares on You and trust in You fully. I pray that I will pray in the good times and the bad. I pray that I will worship You in the good and bad times. I pray for your divine direction always that only you can give. Most of all, I pray forgiveness of my sins of omission and commission – my sins in thought and deeds. My repentance is a cry for your Holy presence that I long for all the day long.

Father, I also pray that you will touch the eyes of those who read this message. Open their eyes and mind to understanding and reveal yourself to them like never before. May they “…grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge.” (Ephesians 3:18,19)

Saturday, May 21, 2011 will not be the end of the world and neither will it be the day of the Rapture, nor the second coming of Jesus Christ to begin His millennial reign on earth.

True, there will one day be the rapture of those in Christ. The word Rapture does not appear in the Bible, but this exclusion is no argument for the unreality. When the apostle Paul used the phrase, “caught up” in the quotations below, he meant exactly the meeting of the living and the resurrected dead together with the risen Savior in the air.

Read the following:

“But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.

For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:13-17).

“Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed” (Mathew 15:51-52).

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:1-3).

Further, it is true, that Jesus the Christ will return to earth with the saints who were “caught up” in the air (all who are born again are saints). At the end of this age, Jesus shall return to bring to completion the work He begun in His ministry, death, and resurrection. He Himself said:

“Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him” (Revelations 22:12).

Language has no meaning if Jesus Christ is not returning as He said. Again, read the following:

“Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh” (Mathew 24:44).

“Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven” (Mathew 26:64).

“And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven” (Mark 14:62).

“Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11).

“So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 1:7).

“So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation” (Hebrews 9:28).

“And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, to execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him” (Jude 1:14-15).

“Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen” (Revelations 1:7).

Furthermore, it is true that in the distant future, the present earth will be reformed:

“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.

God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful” (Revelations 21:1-5).

“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.

For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God” (Romans 8:19-21).

“Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless” (2 Peter 3:13).

But, the time when each of these events will take place, no man knows. Just when the above events will take place is unknown, and we are warned against attempts to set an exact date for Christ’s return.

The general signs of its approach have been given, but the precise moments (day or hour) knows no man, not even the angels. Only the Father knows the time of Christ’s return since it has been set by His authority (cf. Acts 1:7):

“But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only” (Mathew 24:36).

Nevertheless, the Bible admonishes us all to be ready for we know not when Christ would come, or when any of us would be called home (die).

It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment; hence, let us pray to God to help us number our days and to redeem the time (cf. Hebrews 9:26-27).

Information: Joseph DeGraft-Amanfu, author and president of Preach the Gospel 2 All. You can find out more about Pastor DeGraft and his books by visiting the above link.

Job 35:5 (New King James Version)

“Look to the heavens and see; And behold the clouds — They are higher than you.”

I love to sometimes gaze into the sky to admire God’s handiwork. These are photos taken with my phone as I walked this afternoon. The sky is so beautiful and the clouds are so dramatic. The second one presents itself almost as an exclamation point. I believe that God communicates with us in different ways. He appeals to my senses and love for my surroundings. He is truly an awesome God if we would just stop to notice. Today, I did just that. God bless you all and have a wonderful Mother’s Day. We thank God for mothers. Peace~

Father, I pray for all families and nations affected by the disaster in Japan. I pray that you will comfort them and protect them in these difficult times. Most of all, I pray that these events will bring them closer to you, and they will come to know your loving kindness and saving grace through Christ Jesus. Amen.

Verse: By this we believe , 133; Jesus answered, Do ye now believe – joh 16:30-31 Thought Now we believe. Jesus says – Do you The time is coming when you will leave Me alone. Many a Christian worker has left Jesus Christ alone and gone into work from a sense of duty, or from a sense of need arising out of his own particular discernment. The reason for this is the absence of the resurrection life of Jesus. The soul has got out of intimate contact with God by leaning to its own religious understanding. There is no sin in it, and no punishment attached to it; but when the soul realizes how he has hindered his understanding of Jesus Christ, and produced for himself perplexities and sorrows and difficulties, it is with shame and contrition he has to come back. We need to rely on the resurrection life of Jesus much deeper down than we do, to get into the habit of steadily referring everything back to Him; instead of this we make our common – sense decisions and ask God to bless them. He cannot, it is not in His domain, it is severed from reality. If we do a thing from a sense of duty, we are putting up a standard in competition with Jesus Christ. We become a “superior person,” and say – “Now in this matter I must do this and that.” We have put our sense of duty on the throne instead of the resurrection life of Jesus. We are not told to walk in the light of conscience or of a sense of duty, but to walk in the light as God is in the light. When we do anything from a sense of duty, we can back it up by argument; when we do anything in obedience to the Lord, there is no argument possible; that is why a saint can be easily ridiculed. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/hl-devos-mu/~3/bopmB7huaCI/utm.cgi #Bible http://j.mp/if1FVG

Verse Arise from the dead. – eph 5:14 Thought All initiative is not inspired. A man may say to you – “Buck up, take your disinclination by the throat, throw it overboard, and walk out into the thing!” That is ordinary human initiative. But when the Spirit of God comes in and says, in effect, “Buck up,” we find that the initiative is inspired. We all have any number of visions and ideals when we are young, but sooner or later we find that we have no power to make them real. We cannot do the things we long to do, and we are apt to settle down to the visions and ideals as dead, and God has to come and say – “Arise from the dead.” When the inspiration of God does come, it comes with such miraculous power that we are able to arise from the dead and do the impossible thing. The remarkable thing about spiritual initiative is that the life comes after we do the “bucking up.” God does not give us overcoming life; He gives us life as we overcome. When the inspiration of God comes, and He says – “Arise from the dead,” we have to get up; God does not lift us up. Our Lord said to the man with the withered hand – “Stretch forth thy hand,” and as soon as the man did so, his hand was healed, but he had to take the initiative. If we will do the overcoming, we shall find we are inspired of God because He gives life immediately. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/hl-devos-mu/~3/PnPlGSNfh9M/utm.cgi #Bible http://j.mp/ik1dgz

“Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord,” ~Ephesians 5:19

As the scripture says, we should “speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs…” It is so crucial what we speak to one another. It is even more crucial what we speak into our own lives. The Bible states in Proverbs 18:21 that “Death and life [are] in the power of the tongue.” So, what did you speak into your life today? What did you download into your spirit this morning? Was it a Bible scripture, a hymn or your favorite gospel song, or was it with something that will neither benefit you nor bless you throughout the day?

I find that the very thing that I allow into my senses (ears, eyes, etc.) when I wake up in the morning will either have a positive or negative impact on my day. Therefore, I make an effort to feed or download my spirit with something that will nurture and strenghen me. In other words, I take my spiritual vitamins through prayer, scripture, praise, or song. Yes, there are days when time overtakes me and I must rush, but I make a conscious effort to get in one of those “vitamins” before I leave the house. When I start my day with Him (Jesus Christ) — my Savior — the one who woke me up this morning, then it makes all the difference. Well, that’s my testimony for today, but try Him for yourself. Be encouraged. Peace~

Passage Romans 8:1-8 Prayer Dear Father,Thank you that there is no condemnation for me now that I am in Christ Jesus. Through the principle of the Spirit of life in him I have been set free from the principle of sin and death.You, my God, did what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. You sent your own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin. Through him you condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the just requirement of the law might be fulfilled in your people, of which I am one.Help me walk not according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. Set my mind on your Spirit, so I might live by your Spirit and find life and peace.It is in the name of Jesus, who gives his Spirit, that I pray these things. Amen. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/hl-devos-pwp/~3/yZRnrr9HFPE/pwp.pl #Bible http://j.mp/dM3RDA

“I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.”~ Isaiah 43:25

As I was on my morning walk, I began to think of this verse in Isaiah — I love that verse. The Bible says in Romans 3:23 that everyone has sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, but I thank God that He will always forgive us of our sins, but we must repent. For example, I wasn’t completely satisfied with my day yesterday. You see, there are times when God gives us the opportunity to glorify Him or to resist temptation, but we don’t always hit the mark. Yesterday, I didn’t feel like I hit the mark. However, as the day progressed, I turned to the Lord and ask His forgiveness. I also asked Him to show me His ways and teach me His paths (Psalm 25:4). I repented and as it says in His word, He was faithful to forgive me.

I thank God that today is a new day! It is a chance for me to start fresh and do something to His glory. Today is a chance for all of us to do something to His glory, and a chance to put yesterday behind. Perhaps someone hurt you or you hurt someone. Maybe you did something that, you feel, wasn’t pleasing to God. Well, first did you repent or as forgiveness from God? Well, if you did then rejoice in this day because this is the day that the Lord has made and He will remember your past sins no more. In Psalm 103:12 the Bible says that He has cast them as far as the east is from the west. So, don’t worry about yesterday, and let the trouble of tomorrow take care of itself. Enjoy this day despite its limitations and trials. Remember, we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13).

Now, there is also the ultimate repentance when you ask Jesus Christ to come into your heart (See “Salvation” tab). If you are tired of all the things that are going on in this world, and you have this deep sense of emptiness on the inside, then Jesus Christ will fill that void. In John 6:35, Jesus stated, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.” All I can say is try Him and see. He won’t let you down. He is truly the greatest love of all.

God bless you and enjoy this wonderful day. If you you’re digging out of snow here in the Mid Atlantic or Northeast as I am today then don’t forget to pray and ask God to give you strength to shovel this heavy snow. Also, don’t forget to bend your knees. In other words, use your legs and not your back. God bless you. Peace~

I pray that I will always remember that I can’t do anything on my own. As I listen to you, the Father, I make my judgments. (John 5:30) May I also remember that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philipians 4:13). I know that if I follow these words and live by your commandments, then you will make my way successful. All this ask In Jesus’ Mighty Name. Amen.

“And those of us who call the name of Jesus Christ find something of an event in our Christian faith that tells us this. There is something in our faith that says to us, “never despair; never give up; never feel that the cause of righteousness and justice is doomed.”

15 “If you love Me, keepMy commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. ~John 14:15-17

Even though the Bible, God’s Living Word, is foolishness to man, I believe it to be absolute TRUTH. I also believe that God has great things in store for all of us in 2011. We will just have to turn to Him, keep our eyes on Him, and pray without ceasing. We must learn to trust in Him and not dead philosophers. When we stay in constant communication with Jesus Christ through His Helper, the Holy Spirit. If we listen to the words of the Savior, Jesus Christ, and believe, then we cannot go wrong (I’m preaching to myself). Trust and obey, for there is no other way to happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey. So, if you don’t know Christ and you would like to know Him in 2011, then just click the tab on this page that says, “Salvation.” Say those printed words, mean it with your heart and soul, and you will see a significant change for this point forward — you will be saved!

“Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; Put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes. Cease to do evil,… If you are willing and obedient, You shall eat the good of the land” http://bible.us/Isa1.16.NKJV

“Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe.” (Proverbs 28:26)

“I can do all things through Christwho strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

There are many of us who depend on everything but God to be “successful” in life. We depend on our smarts, education, business savvy, and money. The only time we may even consider God is when things are beyond our control (i.e., dying loved one or sudden tragedy). The Bible states in Proverbs 21:2 “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes…” So, even when we decide to consider God in our daily lives, the transaction is conditional and limited to terms. In other words, if what God says in His living word does not fit our lives and levels of comfort, we change the meaning or dismiss it as outdated.

However, the Bible states in 2 Peter 1:21 that God gave us His word when “holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God who resides in all Believers. Jesus said (John 14:26) that He would send us a Helper – the Holy Spirit – to help us in our daily walk. Remember, this world and system of things will all soon pass away, but His word will never pass away (Matthew 24:35).

It’s not easy to do, but just let go and let God. He is the only one who can make sense of all that is going on with the economy, joblessness, and a dying family structure. He is the only one who can deliver you from addiction and bondage. He is the only one who can guarantee eternal life if only we believe and trust in the precious name of Jesus.

1 John 5:13
These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternallife, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.

God says: “Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” (Psalm 34:12-14)

Note: Amen! God always has the last word. When we depend on this world and ourselves, life is hopeless and full of uncertainly. When we depend on God, life becomes full of hope and we live with the certainty that in our “…Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you” (Jon 14:2).

This is our hope. Does that mean that we look forward to death and leaving this earth? No, but it makes living here so much easier and enjoyable knowing that better days are just ahead. Remember that “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined the things that God has prepared for those who love him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9). Now, you can truly enjoy life with these truths in your heart. Peace~

“Study to show thyself approved unto God…” Whenever I read the announcements in church, this scripture from the book of 2 Timothy (2 Timothy 2:15) is said in reference to Wednesday night Bible Study. I can remember a time when I didn’t go to Bible Study. I only have to think back 6 years; back then, I didn’t read the word for myself.

I depended on a pastor or minister to do it for me. In other words, I went to church to “get that word.” I get a shot of that word, felt good, and went back to my weekly routine that usually involved sinful acts. The other problem was that I often was unable to tell you what “that word” was if you asked me 2 hours after service. The Word fell on stony ground, among thorns, etc. (Matthew 13:1-23). I heard, but I didn’t practice or internalize what was going into my ears. As the saying goes, it went through one ear and out the other.

When are we going to grow up (spiritually) and become “doers” of the Word? (James 1:22-25) We can’t go on deceiving ourselves week to week when we know that our lives are not in accordance to the Word of God. Besides, the Word is our reference manual of how we should live as Born-Again Christians. We cannot simply be “Christians.” We must be born again in the Spirit (John 3:3).

In other words, we must accept Christ as our Lord and Savior. Afterwards, our daily goal must be to speak, live, and walk as Christ did. He said in His word, “…be ye holy, for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16). So, let us strive for consistency and live a life that pleasing to God (Psalm 19:14). I pray that we all will become doers of His Word. This means that we will take some time everyday to study His Word. In doing this, we will grow and mature. Also, it will give us the opportunity to share with others God’s living Word. We can start by looking up the highlighted scriptures in this text. Please share with us what the Holy Spirit has revealed to you. Peace and Blessings to you. Amen.

As Christians, we really have to seek a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and all will fall into place. I don’t know where you are in your walk with Jesus Christ, but I can’t talk without talking about myself as well.

We have to forsake all things or “die to self” to please Him (Ephesians 4:22-24). Many of us are even afraid to mention the name of Jesus in certain places. However, he said in His word (Bible) that no man comes to the Father except through Him (John 14:6). He also said that whosoever will be ashamed of Him (Jesus Christ), He will also be ashamed of them before the Father (Mark 8:38).

So, “seekyefirst the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33).

Jesus, name above all names
Beautiful Savior, Glorious Lord
Emmanuel, God is with us
Blessed redeemer, Living Word
You are my wonderful God
You are my wonderful Lord
Lord, You are more precious than silver
Lord, You are more costly than gold
Lord, You are more beautiful than diamonds
And nothing I desire compares with you